The Kingdom of Fungi

An instant classic... The book's 800+ photographs accomplish a singular feat: they display the diagnostic features of a particular species--gill attachment or lack thereof, apothecial hairs, etc.--without sacrificing esthetics... The text is remarkable, too. It describes the ecology and biology of fungi, where fungi grow, and human interactions with fungi. --Lawrence Millman, Boston Mycological Club Bulletin A lavish work... [A] book with a message about both the beauty and importance of fungi that should be widely available in bookshops worldwide and so help raise the global awareness of kingdom Fungi. I cannot commend it too strongly, and if you have not yet seen it you are in for a real treat--perhaps a mycologist's equivalent of being a kid in a candy store. --IMA Fungus The Kingdom of Fungi is a feast for the senses, and the ideal reference for naturalists, researchers, and anyone interested in fungi. --Northeastern Naturalist This ... book is a visual feast that I keep on my coffee table and take to show off at lectures about fungi... This book would make an excellent addition to the NAMA school teaching kit. The pictures will enthrall young children and the text is both easy to understand and informative. Even after decades of studying mycology, I discovered new material and interesting material... I would have college mycology students buy the book as part of their course--the text will give them a succinct over-view of the fungal kingdom and the pictures will give them the visuals that are so lacking in their college textbooks. However, I will also want to introduce anyone from 6 years old to 100 to this book. It contains both sound science and visual humor. --Michael W. Beug, Mychophile I am particularly impressed by the range of scale in Petersen's photography. Not just the usual field guide photos of decent-sized mushrooms, but everything from landscapes to tiny cups to microscopic features, all done in excellent fashion. And, not only are the photos beautiful but they are showcased in an equally attractive package created by the design team. No stodgy textbook this. The charts are colorful, clearly laid out, and integrated nicely with the photos. With a very reasonable price, there is no reason for every mushroomer not to have his or her own copy and perhaps to buy additional ones for eye-opening gifts for friends who don't yet share our passion for the fungi. --Steve Trudell, Mychophile